Gygis alba; Print; The white tern (Gygis alba) is a small seabird found across the tropical oceans of the world. It is sometimes known as the fairy tern although this name is potentially confusing as it is the common name of the fairy tern (Sternula nereis). Other names for the species include angel tern and white noddy in English; and manu-o-Ku in Hawai'ian.; 1700-1880